Tony Burman is stepping down as editor in chief of CBC News, Current Affairs and Newsworld, just as the public broadcaster’s news-gathering division jumps into the digital multi-platform age.

Burman, who has led the CBC’s news division since February 2000, will leave his post on July 13 for unspecified pastures. His is the latest departure from the CBC executive suite, following the exits of Deborah Bernstein as executive director of arts and entertainment, sports boss Nancy Lee and of top programmer Slawko Klymkiw, who was replaced by Kirstine Layfield.

‘It has been a privilege to lead this wonderful operation during such an important and dynamic period,’ he said in a statement. ‘But this has been longer than I had planned. Change and renewal are at the core of the best journalism and I look forward to directing my energy and enthusiasm to new projects,’ Burman added, without outlining future plans.

The CBC news chief most recently oversaw the integration of news operations belonging to CBC Television, CBC Radio and CBC News Online.

But his departure comes as the CBC gets set to add more user-generated content and interactivity to its news presentation as part of its MyCBC initiative, initially to be based out of Vancouver.

The strategy, which will continue after Burman’s departure, will see CBC expand beyond radio and TV broadcasting. The pubcaster will eventually deliver news and current affairs content to Canadians across a range of digital platforms, including the Internet and cell phones.

Richard Stursberg, EVP of CBC Television, while insisting Burman ‘leaves big shoes to fill,’ said the public broadcaster would press ahead with its ‘overall news renewal,’ including more airtime for local and regional newscasts.

The plaudits from CBC executives ahead of Burman’s send-off in July were equally generous.

Jane Chalmers, VP of CBC Radio, called Burman a ‘brilliant journalist, a dedicated advocate of public broadcasting and a true leader.’

A CBC journalist for nearly 35 years, Burman produced a string of news and documentary programs for the network’s radio and TV divisions, reporting from more than 30 countries, before executive producing The National from 1993-98.

Esther Enkin will serve as acting editor in chief, and Don Knox will oversee CBC Television News and Newsworld, as the CBC conducts a search inside and outside the public broadcaster for Burman’s replacement.